Getting to Vung Tau 2026: Hydrofoil from HCMC and Bus Options
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By hydrofoil from HCMC (recommended option)
The hydrofoil is the best way to reach Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s faster than the bus, scenic, and arrives directly at the Vung Tau ferry terminal — close to both beaches.
Departure point: Bach Dang pier, District 1, HCMC (central riverfront, 5 minutes from the Bitexco Tower area).
Arrival: Vung Tau passenger terminal on the Front Beach promenade.
Journey time: 75 minutes.
Operators: Petro Express and Vina Express operate the route. Multiple departures daily — approximately every 1–2 hours from 07:00 to 17:00.
Price: ₫250,000–350,000 ($10–14) per person each way.
Booking: Available online (vinaviet.com.vn, petroexpress.vn) or at the pier. Weekends and public holidays fill quickly — book in advance.
By bus from HCMC
Buses from HCMC (Mien Dong Bus Station in Thu Duc, or from the backpacker area on De Tham with booked tourist buses) to Vung Tau bus station.
Journey time: 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic. HCMC traffic can extend this significantly on Friday evenings.
Price: ₫70,000–120,000 ($2.80–4.80) per person.
Arrival: Vung Tau bus station is 3km from Front Beach. Grab to the beach: ₫30,000–60,000 ($1.20–2.40).
The bus is cheaper but slower. The hydrofoil is the standard choice for tourists and Vietnamese weekenders who prioritise time.
By car/Grab
A private car or Grab car from HCMC to Vung Tau (120km) takes 2–2.5 hours on the expressway. Cost: ₫600,000–1,200,000 ($24–48) depending on vehicle type and platform pricing. Useful for groups of 3–4 or travellers with luggage.
Getting around Vung Tau
Grab: Available and reliable. The peninsula is compact — most trips within the city: ₫20,000–50,000 ($0.80–2).
Motorbike rental: ₫100,000–150,000 ($4–6) per day. Useful for reaching Bai Dau seafood restaurants, Cap Saint-Jacques, and the lighthouse. The peninsula’s coastal road circuit is an easy 30-minute ride.
Walking: Front Beach, the city centre, and Back Beach can be connected on foot (2–3km). Not always practical in midday heat.
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